European
cities can breathe easier as better, maintenance-free, recyclable
lead-acid batteries mean improved range and acceleration for public
and private electric vehicles.

Viable high-performance electric vehicles (EVs) have long been
the dream of the ecologically-conscious. Fossil fuel emissions could
be substantially reduced, especially in and around crowded cities,
if their use were ever to become widespread. But problems such as
low battery capacity and reliability have always kept them from
living up to their promise as a marketable alternative to conventional
vehicles.

The aim of this project was to develop a better, maintenance-free,
recyclable lead-acid battery for EVs. Battery performance in terms
of range and acceleration were significantly improved, and the project
identified two areas where a better technical understanding will
bring further improvements in performance and battery life. With
respect to battery construction, over half-a-dozen key variables
were investigated, including tin content in grid alloys, fine fibre
content in glass mat separators, curing processes and conductive
additives.

Partners say their new valve-regulated lead acid batteries represent
a reliable and improved power source for EVs, including buses, private
cars, taxis or delivery vans, and while the current market for electric
vehicles is still small, new legislation like that seen in the US
requiring more EV production could soon change that.